{"id":16716,"date":"2025-11-27T17:17:44","date_gmt":"2025-11-27T17:17:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/?page_id=16716"},"modified":"2025-12-12T19:41:01","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T19:41:01","slug":"war-diaries-december-1944","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/second-world-war\/38-irish-brigade-1942-1947\/38-irish-brigade-war-diaries\/war-diaries-december-1944\/","title":{"rendered":"War Diaries \u2013 December 1944"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n\n\n\n

1st December<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ \u2013 PASSITEMPI 979283.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following appreciation of the enemy situation is based on OP and patrol reports and on information received from the three prisoners taken night. Their identifications were 10 Coy 3 Para Regiment and 7 Coy 289 Regiment. II Bttn 289 has two companies in the line, 6 Coy in the area Pt 278 014293 and C Il Sillaro 018292 and 7 Coy from just south of C Il Sillaro down to the road. To the north, III Bttn 3 Para Regiment has two companies in the line. 10 Coy stretches from Pt 278 to the ridge at 018297 and 9 Coy from Pt 342 015299 to Casa Tamagnin 013303. There is a reserve platoon and Coy HQ of 10 Coy in and around C Calvana 022297 and probably the MMGs are operating from this area. C Anzellara 023307, C Cereto 021310 and C Muiano 022316 are all occupied areas and probably two companies of parachutists are disposed in this area with the supporting MMGs and mortars. There is probably a reserve battalion in a counter attack role in the C Volte area 032311. The parachutists are far more aggressive in their patrolling than other units and it would appear that they mainly consist of small bold recce patrols coming well up to our positions to observe with the object of obtaining sufficient information for a small, well laid on, raid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plans for Future Operations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Eighth Army is attacking westwards along the axis of Route 9 towards Imola. It is the intention of 13 Corps to attack down Ace Route to Imola with the intention of helping the advance of the Eighth Army. In order to conform with the remainder of the attacks by 78 Division, this Brigade was ordered to plan an operation to capture the following objective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be captured by 1 RIrF:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pt 342 014299.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spur 015300.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C Tamagnin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be captured by 2 Innisks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C Nuova 021289<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C Il Sillaro 018293.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pt 358 013298.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pt 278 014293.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spur 016297.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be captured by 2 LIR:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Il Molina Nuova 028294.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ridge C Calvana 022297 \u2013 016298.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All these objectives constitute Phase A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phase B will then place 48 hrs after Phase A is completed and will consist of capturing the ridge from Calcinara 030302 to C Muiano 022315 by two battalions. Tentatively, the 2 Innisks will capture up to C Anzellara 024308 and 1 RIrF the remaining part of the ridge from C Cereto 021310 to C Muiano, leaving 2 LIR on the Calvana ridge as a firm base. One of the main problems to be considered was that of supplies and until the completion of Phase B, no roads will be available for use by jeeps. A time lag is therefore necessary between attacks to allow mules to get up and replenish food and ammunition as everything will have to be carried on the man due to the shocking nature of the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1100<\/strong> 2 Innisks move forward from Castro San Martino to de-busing point. They are to relieve 2 LIR tonight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1115<\/strong> One enemy seen between two forward company positions 2 LIR at approx 010291. Patrol went forward to try and catch him but he disappeared out of sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1705<\/strong> Light mortaring on right company 1 RIrF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1730<\/strong> Standing patrol 2 LIR at house Pt 156 015287 was attacked. DF was brought down and a platoon rushed up to the house and the situation established by 1830 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2115<\/strong> 2 Innisks relief of 2 LIR completed without any further incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patrol led by Lieut Beamish, 1 RIrF, to the house at Point 166, had a successful engagement with the enemy. Surprise was lost by the patrol setting off trip flares and booby trapped grenades. On making contact, they had a short fight with grenades and machine guns and then returned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lieut Beamish was wounded on a mine on the way back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 003301.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0130<\/strong> Standing Patrol NCO + 3 to Pt 312 013306 outflanked by superior enemy fire. Sgt Trickett wounded and captured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0150<\/strong> B Coy Commander Maj A Morris OBE MC out with small force and stretcher to recover missing NCO. Unsuccessful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2359<\/strong> Lt JPF Beamish reported after engaging Pt 166 018304. Cpl Bennett wounded in stomach \u2013 subsidiary patrol detached at Tamagnin 013303. Outstanding performance by Lt Beamish at Pt 166 in engaging HO at close quarter with pistol and grenade \u2013 slightly wounded by mine outside own FDLs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 Innisks \u2013 CASTRO SAN MARTINO.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0730<\/strong> Bttn em-buses at Castro San Pietro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0800<\/strong> CO and O Group go forward to Calcano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1130<\/strong> CO arrives at Brigade HQ and goes forward to 2 LIR HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1430<\/strong> Bttn arrive at Calcano and have a meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1630<\/strong> B Coy move to take over Lucia position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1645<\/strong> Bttn called forward from Calcano in following order: A and one platoon C Coy, MMG Mortars, remainder of C Coy and Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1650<\/strong> LIR report house at Point 150 attacked and taken by the enemy. One platoon counter attacked and took house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1700<\/strong> One man from B Coy wounded at San Clemente.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1830<\/strong> Shelling of Bttn HQ area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1900<\/strong> Relief of Bttn HQ and C Coy completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1910<\/strong> B Coy relief completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2115<\/strong> A Coy relief completed. One man in Mortar Platoon killed by shellfire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2140<\/strong> A Coy report tank firing from Casa Nuova. Artillery fire concentration on area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2200<\/strong> CO visits C and A Coys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2235<\/strong> Shelling of area between mortars and Bttn HQ area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Died on this Day:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fusilier Walter Cartledge, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0600<\/strong> Bttn still in locations: Bttn HQ \u2013 000286 Casa Careggiana. E Coy \u2013 house 008287. G Coy \u2013 house 004287. H Coy \u2013 house 008298. Bttn mortars at 001289 and MMGs in E Coy\u2019s area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0800<\/strong> Sitrep: Considerable shelling and mortaring, especially on E Coy. MMG harassing fire on Bttn HQ during night from M Merlo direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0900<\/strong> Brigade IO visits Bttn HQ to discuss general situation with CO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0930<\/strong> Preparations to hand over sector to 2 Innisks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1200<\/strong> 2 Innisks Recce Group arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800<\/strong> Main body of 2 Innisks moving in to take over bttn position. A false alarm was created by enemy machine gunning of Ambush House (008287), which caused holding section to quickly evacuate it. Relief was held up until a platoon reoccupied the house and handed it over to 2 Innisks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1900<\/strong> Relief completed. Mortars were handed over but MMGs were brought back with bttn. During the course of the day, the Battle Patrol OP received a direct hit during enemy shelling and the 2 Rifleman occupants were killed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2000<\/strong> Bttn left em-busing point 975279 in transport for rest area Castro San Martino 850044.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Died on this Day:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rifleman Harold White, London Irish Rifles.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rifleman Frederick Rudd, London Irish Rifles.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

2nd <\/sup>December<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ \u2013 PASSITEMPI.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0215<\/strong> Mortaring of 2 Innisks left coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0315<\/strong> Heavy shelling of area 002288.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1200<\/strong> Heavy mortaring of Il Sasso area. Approximately 95 bombs fell in the coy area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11 shells in Brigade HQ area. No damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1615<\/strong> The enemy started to smoke the house at Point 156 but nothing resulted from this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800 Patrol from 2 Innisks reported enemy digging on Point 358 013298. Patrol returned and fighting patrol arranged to go out later on. This second patrol bumped the enemy at Point 356 and withdrew after a short shooting match. They reported two enemy MGs fired from Point 358 and saw enemy moving in single file in area Point 342.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patrol from 2 Innisks to Casa Nuova was held up by MF fire from 018289.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

German patrol was seen in front of C Coy 1 RIrF moving from south to north and scattered on being engaged by SA fire and ran into trip flares and mines. They withdrew down the gully at 008298.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further patrols from the Irish Fusiliers shot up enemy at Casa Tamagnin 0130 and found unoccupied enemy slits on Point 312 and enemy positions at 017308.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was an unusual departure of the enemy to leave the Point 312 area alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was a change last night to find the majority of his movement in the Tamagnin area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 003301.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0415<\/strong> LT CR Unwin reported after patrol to 015308. Enemy digging at Point 312 and 012307. Patrol lay up in between but unable to interrupt any enemy. Slight clash with one. No casualties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0530<\/strong> Detached patrol returned from Tamagnin. NTR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1940<\/strong> Sgt Cross DCM, Pioneer patrol to 007301 to clear minefield. Track to Tamagnin cleared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2215<\/strong> 2 Innisks patrol clash in front of their left forward coy. Enemy withdrew. 4.2\u201d Mortar DF called down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2300<\/strong> Strong enemy force seen on Point 342 014298.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lt JRF Beamish admitted to hospital. Wounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 Innisks \u2013 SAN CLEMENTE.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0115<\/strong> One wounded in A Coy by shelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0215<\/strong> Twelve light mortars bombs in B Coy area. No casualties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0315<\/strong> Shelling of area 002288. 6 heavy shells. No casualties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0725<\/strong> A Coy platoon on Point 156 relieved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0730<\/strong> Standing Patrol at Furniture House Point 207 report hearing movement to their immediate front. Patrol took no action. A Coy platoon NTR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0900<\/strong> C Coy send a section for protection of Bttn HQ,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1015<\/strong> Due to smoke, visibility only 10-15 yards. Night positions manned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1045<\/strong> Visibility now approx 30 yards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intentions night 2\/3 Dec: B Coy Recce Patrol to Point 278 014294, route Casa Lucca to Point 358 to Pt 278, strength 1 and 3. Out 1745 hrs, in on completion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C Coy 1 and 6 to 015288, route to Point 156 then to 013289 to 015288 to obtain PoW. Out 2000 hrs, remains at 115188 until 2400 hrs, unless PoW taken earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Coy Ambush Patrol 1 NCO and 3 ORs to 017288 and continue to Casa Nuova 020288. Out 1800 hrs, in 0500 hrs unless PoW taken earlier. C Coy Standing Patrol 1 and 3 at 017290 to contact Patrol from B Coy at Il Sasso. Out last light, in first light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1400<\/strong> CO to B Coy. B Coy have 14 mortar bombs fall in area. No casualties. No bearing obtained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1430<\/strong> A Coy report tanks firing on Point 156, believed to be our own firing from 11 brigade area or from the tanks behind 38 Brigade HQ. Brigade requested to enquire and stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1845<\/strong> Five heavy shells in Mortar Platoon area. No casualties. B Coy report that approx 55 mortar bombs landed in area between 1200 and 1630 hrs. Casualties 1 officer killed. 1 Corporal killed and 1 officer wounded, All of 1 Kensingtons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Movement observed between Point 342 and Tamagnin between 1330 and 1430 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1905<\/strong> Lt Giles Patrol returned with information that Point 358 was occupied by enemy. 3\u201d mortars engaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1915<\/strong> Fighting Patrol from B Coy to go out and remove enemy from Point 358.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1940<\/strong> A Coy Patrol returned after having bumped the enemy at 017288. One casualty (slight) sustained. Enemy strength not known. Patrol ordered forward again as a Standing Patrol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2020<\/strong> B Coy report 8 enemy moving towards Il Sasso.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2035<\/strong> Lt Giles and 1 section leave for Point 358 to destroy enemy there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2045<\/strong> Lt Murray reports on Furniture House and reports no sign of A Coy section there. A Coy and patrol to inspect the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2130<\/strong> B Coy report grenades, bren fire and TSMG from area below Point 358 followed by bursts of Spandau fire from Point 358.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2145<\/strong> More grenades and bren fire from nearer the summit of Point 358.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

B Coy attacked by enemy mortars. Counter mortars engaged area \u201cSalt\u201d enemy mortars MZO and MCV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2150<\/strong> A Coy report patrol reached Furniture House and found their section occupying house ok. Lt Murray obviously went to the wrong house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2155<\/strong> Mortars lay down 5 minute stonk on Point 358.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2200<\/strong> Heavy shells in area of Mortar Platoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2245<\/strong> Lt Giles and patrol return. They reached 011298 and met enemy patrol coming forward. Patrol engaged and enemy also opened up with two MGs from Point 358. Patrol then withdrew. Patrol noticed a company of enemy moving on Point 342.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

B Coy ordered to put out a listening post at 011298 and at 0300 hrs to send a section out to Point 358.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2300<\/strong> B Coy report heavy mortar firing at A Coy at 2200 hrs on a bearing of 72 degrees. They also report the arrival of Sjt Markham with MMGs. Major Nixon says there have been 111 enemy mortar bombs in his area during the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2320<\/strong> Brigade warned us that Beaufighters will be up tonight to intercept enemy night raiders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2325<\/strong> A Coy\u2019s Patrol returns to Point 156 and reports seeing 8 enemy move round brow of hill above Casa Nuova into trees. Then two Spandaus opened up from this area firing out across the river. Visibility clear and movement difficult.  CO orders same patrol to go out again with same objective at 0300 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2345<\/strong> B Coy report 10 Bische milling about in the valley, forward of their right hand platoon. This platoon \u201cstood to\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0900<\/strong> Bttn now in village Castro San Martino. Baths, change of clothing and cinema shows laid on for coys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CO\u2019s O Group: Bttn at 24 hours\u2019 notice for big attack. All LOBs to be changed over. If not called forward, bttn to receive 6 days rest before relieving 1 RIrF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

3rd December<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ \u2013 PASSITEMPI.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Harassing fire was on a reduced scale during the night. There was only light mortaring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0930<\/strong> GOC visits Brigade Commander with the CRA to discuss developments of future events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brigade Commander visits 2 Innisks and 1 RIrF during the morning and goes up to the OP at Parre le Tombe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slight mortaring of forward positions during the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2000<\/strong> Patrols from 1 RIrF shot up five enemy in the Casa Tamagnin area and also found Machine pistols on the track at 009304. This indicated that casualties were caused when a patrol clash took place in this area a few nights previously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2030<\/strong> Patrol from 2 Innisks went to Casa Nuova and heard enemy in copse near house. They threw grenades and returned. On reaching house at Point 156 014287, they were fired on from the direction of Casa Nuova.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2200<\/strong> An enemy patrol was seen moving in a westerly direction from 013297 and disappeared into the gully below Point 278 at 011298. They were attacked by 2 inch mortars of B Coy 2 Innisks and C Coy, 1 RIrF. Patrols, which went out later on the gully, found no signs of casualties inflicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 003301.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0230<\/strong> Enemy patrol seen moving south to north across C Coy front. Centre platoon engaged with SAA. Enemy scattered and set off mines. MMGs engaged and patrol withdrew down gully 009299.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0525<\/strong> CSM Davidson (B Coy) engaged Tamagnin with Piat HE at high angle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0630<\/strong> C Coy patrol returned. Lt PJC Trousdell reports having fired at two enemy near own FDLs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

D Coy patrol to Point 312 reported fresh diggings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1807<\/strong> D Coy patrol to 009298 placed. Schmeisser Machine Pistol found 009304.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2130<\/strong> Coy 2 Innisks report 40 enemy missing from Casa Di Sillaro 016293 past Point 278 014294  towards Casa Di Sasso 007294.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2230<\/strong> D Coy patrol (Sgt Eales) engaged enemy at 012301.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Initial surprise lost. Enemy scattered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Captain JP Phelan MC admitted hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lt MER Pattinson promoted A\/Capt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 Innisks \u2013 SAN CLEMENTE.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0040<\/strong> Lt Murray and \u201cPatrol\u201d returns. Reports knoll at 015288 not occupied and could not find any sign of enemy positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intentions 3 \/ 4  Dec \u2013<\/p>\n\n\n\n